JULY 14

I had written an entirely different column for today, about how, for my half birthday, which is today, I was taking myself to New York for a month. But the trip is off because my precious Clarence got really weak three days ago, and both he and Mr. X need me here. Actually, I need me here the most.

I was just thinking the other day that there’s no place I would rather be in the whole world than lying in bed with those two. So, that’s what the three of us will do now, for as long as possible.

If it’s in your nature, please put in a good word for my poor little boy. I can’t bear to see him like this, but I couldn’t bear it more if I don’t get to ever see him again, so, of course, I’m hoping and praying for the best.

I had already written the month’s worth of columns, and left them for my web guys to post while I was away. So, if the coming ones sound upbeat, it’s because they were authored previously. Please enjoy them, and I’ll keep you posted on what’s happening with Clarence.